Ron Griggs, Republican senator for District 34, is running unopposed in this year's election.

The majority of his district falls in Otero County, but Griggs also represents the southwestern quarter of Eddy County. He has served in the legislature since 2012.

Griggs was on the Alamogordo City Commission for more than 12 years and was mayor in the city of Alamogordo for two years.

Griggs is a native New Mexican, has worked as a landman for Texaco and owned a title insurance company.

He and his wife, Joan Griggs, have been married for 38 years and the couple has two children and five grandchildren.

Q. Given the recent coverage of the state legislature’s decisions regarding the New Mexico budget, what are your thoughts on the fiscal issues facing the state?

A. New Mexico's budget is still in trouble, I believe. We have taken all of the low-hanging fruit. Without a significant rebound in oil and gas prices and volumes, the remaining options will be difficult. Any decision must now be based on long term planning, not just quick fixes.

Q. Do you think the legalization of recreational marijuana in New Mexico is an appropriate option for boosting state revenue?

A. Recreational use of marijuana is certainly an option to generate revenues for our state. We must also debate the human costs that come with that revenue. The issue is still complex but it is an issue I believe the legislature will have lots of debate on in the upcoming session.

Q. What is the single thing you wish most to accomplish during your term?

A. I want to put New Mexico on solid financial footing both for now and the future. That has to be the primary focus for all of us. After that we can discuss regulatory reform, tax reform, changes to education and how to provide for economic opportunity for our citizens.

Q. What do you propose should be done to secure the health and well-being of children in New Mexico?

A. I believe we will see legislation to reinstate the death penalty for those convicted of killing children, police officers and corrections officers. This, I believe, can be a deterrent. Advances in evidence, such as DNA testing, should help ensure the right person is convicted. New Mexico, though, needs to do things to move people out of poverty and give them opportunities for jobs that help them break the cycle of poverty. If we can do that, criminal activity will decline overall.